some questions!

[fang333999]

hello, everyone, im new to chameleons and have a few questions. i would just like to know the basics, and get a feel of what i would be getting into. this would be something i would be committed to, not just to get the animal because its "cool". what is the average life expectancy? about how much is a baby? also im looking to get a panther chameleon, let me know if thats a good beginner, or if it doesnt matter. also, what would you house a baby in? thanks!

 

[jannb]

Some chameleons can live up to 7 years. For prices you can check the classifieds section. 4 to 5 months old should be housed in a screen cage. You should not get one younger than that.

Check out this blog for allot of good chameleon info. Jann

http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/

 

[hallenhe]

A panther would be a good beginner, as would a veiled. I started with a Jackson's and had no undue difficulty, but the Jackson's do want a bit more humidity. Chameleons need airflow, hence the screen cage recommendation. You can buy one premade pretty reasonably (Reptarium is a common brand), or you can make one yourself (there are lots of examples in the Enclosures part of the Forum). Females can be somewhat harder to care for than males - some species will lay eggs whether mated or not, and you have to watch their calcium carefully, and some need a somewhat restricted diet to prevent them laying eggs and the associated stress on the body - so I personally wouldn't recommend a female as a first chameleon; others may disagree.

 

[sandrachameleon]

A male panther is a good choice for a first chameleon. Glad you're doing your research up front, as no chameleon is "easy"

I've collected a whole lot of threads and websites in my blog here that I have found interesting or helpful, and which you may want to review as part of your research. enclosures, lighting, feeding etc.